摘要 |
A multiple hopper charging installation (10, 10') for a shaft furnace comprises a rotary distribution device (14) for distributing bulk material in the shaft furnace (12) by rotating a distribution member about a central axis (A) of the shaft furnace and at least two hoppers (20, 22) arranged in parallel and offset from the central axis above the rotary distribution device. Each hopper has a lower funnel part (76) ending in an outlet portion (78) and each hopper has a material gate valve (82) with a shutter member (84) associated to its outlet portion. According to the invention, each funnel part (76) is configured asymmetrically with its outlet portion (78) being eccentric and arranged proximate to the central axis (A), each outlet portion (78) is oriented vertically so as to produce a substantially vertical outflow (140) of bulk material and each material gate valve (82) has a one-piece shutter member (84) and is configured with its respective shutter member (84) opening in a direction pointing away from the central axis (A) such that any partial valve opening area is located on the side of the associated outlet portion (78) proximate to the central axis (A). |